SEAPA’s three-week USA tour was a highlight of a busy year in 2024, marked by exhibitions and presentations worldwide. SEAPA Australia’s Group Business Manager Alex Jack, SEAPA Japan’s Chief Executive Takehiro Yoshimoto, and SEAPA USA’s Vice President Erik Schlagenhauf visited various U.S. oyster farms and presented at the 78th PCSGA Conference, fostering global connections and sharing insights in oyster farming technology.

The U.S. tour capped a dynamic year that included major trade shows like the Japan International Seafood Expo and France’s National Shellfish and Marine Show, showcasing SEAPA’s commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and sustainable innovation in oyster farming for over 27 years. Alex Jack emphasized the importance of staying at the forefront of industry trends, adapting new technologies, and learning from diverse farming conditions to inform SEAPA’s product development and deepen partnerships with farmers.

“By sharing our expertise and gaining valuable insights into the U.S. oyster industry, we’re better equipped to serve our global partners,” Alex said.

Learning from U.S. Oyster Farmers to Advance SEAPA’s Oyster Farming Technology

The SEAPA team engaged extensively with U.S. farmers and industry leaders at the PCSGA Conference, discussing the latest research, technological advancements, and global trends. These exchanges strengthened SEAPA’s connections within the U.S. oyster farming community – one of the world’s largest markets. The team’s firsthand experiences in diverse U.S. farming environments underscored the need for adaptable, innovative oyster farming equipment.

Enhancing Oyster Farming Equipment for Diverse Farming Conditions

During visits to Marin Oyster Co., Hog Island Oyster Co., Tomales Bay Oyster Co. in California; Murder Point Oyster in Alabama; N. Sea Oyster Company in North Carolina; Matheson Oyster Company and Rappahannock Oyster Co. in Virginia; and Hama Hama, Rock Point, and Blue Dot Sea Farms in Washington, SEAPA’s experts observed how varying local conditions shape oyster production. Erik Schlagenhauf highlighted the versatility of SEAPA systems in these environments, stating, “Seeing the resilience of established farms alongside fresh ideas from newer operations highlighted the importance of adaptability in a dynamic industry.”

Through hands-on installations, maintenance guidance, and exploration of innovative practices at hatcheries, nurseries, and grow-out stages, SEAPA deepened its understanding of how its products perform across diverse farming techniques – from floating and intertidal systems to SEAPA’s subtidal stacks.

Celebrating Oyster Community and Sustainability on the West Coast

A highlight of the tour was SEAPA’s visit to Hama Hama and the Banjo Rama, a two-day celebration of oysters and community, raising funds for the local nonprofit Warm Current, which supports surfing access for native youth. The team also visited premier West Coast oyster bars serving SEAPA customers’ oysters, including Hog Island in San Francisco, Chelsea Farm Oyster Bar in Olympia, and Seattle icons like The Walrus and the Carpenter and Westward.

This tour reinforced SEAPA’s dedication to quality, community, and sustainability, with a focus on producing oysters with minimal environmental impact. The shared love for oysters, community celebration, and commitment to sustainable farming practices provided a golden thread throughout the tour.

Learn More About SEAPA’s Sustainable Oyster Farming Technology

This year’s tour reaffirms SEAPA’s dedication to advancing sustainable oyster farming technology, engaging communities, and driving global innovation. We look forward to expanding our partnerships – until the next tour!